Rough Guides

Britain's royals are the official face of the state and the centre of a worldwide media circus. This entertaining Rough Guide to the Royals explores the paradox of one of the world's oldest monarchies. It casts a quizzical eye over the current royal family, from former Olympic horse rider Anne and industry ambassador Andrew to current favourites William and Kate. It answers such burning questions as what they do, where they get their money from, how fundamentally British are they, and just who is twelfth in the line to the throne? (One-year-old Savannah Phillips is the answer.) It looks at the most extravagant royal ceremonies and the most controversial figures, from Henry VIII to the scandalous Caroline of Brunswick (who was banned from her husband's coronation but turned up anyway). The best and the worst monarchs are reassessed, with investigations into how the likes of alleged nephew-killer and hunchback, Richard III, achieved their villainous reputations. The image of the monarchy is also examined — whether it's in commemorative ceramics, respectful movies such as The King's Speech or more critical fare.

Full-colour throughout, The Rough Guide to Britain is the ultimate guide to Rough Guides' home patch. With 30 years experience and our trademark 'tell it like it is' writing style, Rough Guides cover all the basics with practical, on-the-ground details, as well as unmissable alternatives to the usual must-see sights. At the top of your list and guaranteed to get you value for money, each guide also reviews the best accommodation and restaurants in all price brackets. We know there are times for saving, and times for splashing out. The Rough Guide to Britain includes: over 50 colour-coded maps featuring every listing; area-by-area chapter highlights; Top 5 boxes; and, 'Things not to miss' section. Make the most of your trip with The Rough Guide to Britain.

The Rough Guide Map London will guide you along the busy streets of one of Europe's largest capitals. From Buckingham Palace to Brick Lane, The Rough Guide Map London pin points the best attractions the city has to offer as well as shops, restaurants, explosive live-music venues and thought provoking galleries. Boasting an A-Z street finder index and an essential 'Time Map' with opening and closing times of the top attractions, the map also suggests routes for numerous day-trips. Streets and key tourist hotspots are clearly colour-coded, with unique Rough Guide recommendations highlighted. User-friendly and printed in full-colour on waterproof, rip-proof paper, this slick, fully up-to-date map presents London with impeccable accuracy, making it an unmissable travel companion on your break away to London.

The Rough Guide Map New York City will guide you along the teeming streets of this great metropolis. From the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty, The Rough Guide Map New York City pin-points the best attractions the city has to offer as well as shops, restaurants, raucous live-music clubs and cutting-edge theatres. Boasting an A-Z street finder index and an essential 'Time Map' with opening and closing times of the top attractions, the map also suggests routes for numerous day-trips. Streets and key tourist hotspots are clearly colour-coded, with unique Rough Guide recommendations highlighted. User-friendly and printed in full-colour on waterproof, rip-proof paper, this slick, fully up-to-date map presents New York with impeccable accuracy, making it an unmissable travel companion on your break away to New York City.

A brand new title encapsulating one of China’s most significant cities — Shanghai — a city that reperesents buzzing and booming modern China in all it''s glory. Well written, thoroughly researched and to the point it gives a clear picture of what must be done and where, to get the most out of this progressive megacity. Covering the Shanghai area as well as Putuoshan and the nearby canal towns, this guide provides you with all the facts, as well as those unusual places to go that will make for that extra-special and positively memorable trip.

Discover a land of lush jungles and dazzling white sand with The Rough Guide to Puerto Rico. The full-colour introduction will inspire you with stunning photography of the “things not to miss” from the cosmopolitan city of San Juan to the exotic flora and fauna of the Caribbean National Forest. Dozens of user-friendly maps will guide you to our recommended accommodation and there are hundreds of restaurant reviews for gourmet eateries and local food stalls across the island. Covering all must-sees such as the Río Camuy caves and the romantic colonial town of Ponce, the guide also features full-colour inserts on Festivals dedicated to fruits and flowers, and Food, including independent gourmet coffee producers and regional specialties. The guide features in-depth sections on Mayagüez, La Cordillera, Vieques and Culebra, as well as all the practical information you’d expect from a Rough Guide. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Puerto Rico.

The Rough Guide to Prague is the definitive guidebook to the Czech capital. A 24-page, full-colour introduction gives an inspiring insight into many of Prague''s highlights, from the spectacular castle complex to the cobbled back streets and secret gardens of Mala Strana. The guide includes extensive and reliable reviews of hotels and restaurants in every price range, plus the low-down on the best places to sample Czech beer. There are comprehensive accounts of day-trips to the medieval town of Kutna Hora and other nearby attractions. The guide also includes thorough and informed commentary on Prague''s history, politics and culture, plus detailed maps and plans for every region.

ke the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Buenos Aires. Flick through the introduction for an overview on where to go and what to see, from cosmopolitan architecture and stunning mansions to long coffee klatches, where you can soak up this energetic city whilst enjoying the finest coffee. Move on to read lively accounts of every attraction from walking along the Avenida de Mayo to enjoying dinner in a typical «parrillada.» The guide provides detailed coverage of the outlying suburbs of San Isidro, Olivos and the Paraná Delta as well as destinations further afield – San Antonio de Areco and estancias in the Pampas, and Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. With colour sections on tango and football, the guide explores the city’s rich history and intense culture; includes detailed information on where to shop to where to see the best tango shows; gives practical information on accommodation and transportation; and, of course, reviews all the best places to eat and drink. With the clearest maps of any guide, be sure your trip to “the Pearl” of South America is one not to forget with this ultimate guide.

The essential companion to this extraordinary city. The Rough Guide Map Berlin pin-points the best the city has to offer, from the magnificent Reichstag to the marvellous array of Sunday brunch buffets. The best shopping streets, pedestrian zones and major buildings are all edged in different colours to make them easier to find. The useful ''Time Map'' charts the opening days and times of all the city''s sights and the map''s detailed transport information will help you make the most of the city’s taxis, buses and waterways. Unbeatable combination of practicality and clarity printed on waterproof, rip-proof paper. Make the Most of Your Time with the Rough Guide Berlin Map

»The Rough Guide to Chicago» is the ultimate travel guide with clear maps and detailed coverage of all the best attractions Chicago has to offer. Discover the pulsating metropolis of Chicago from the Gospel brunch at the House of Blues, a heavenly but fattening experience, to the Oak Street Beach, the glorious summertime playground in a somewhat unexpected location. Packed with detailed, practical advice on what to see and do in Chicago, this guide provides reliable, up-to-date descriptions of the best hotels in Chicago, Chicago's best bars and recommended restaurants, and tips on the best shopping and festivals in Chicago for all budgets. Featuring detailed coverage on a full range of attractions; from the Maxwell Street Market and Steppenwolf Theatre, to boat trips on the Chicago River and the Ravinia Festival, you'll find expert tips on exploring Chicago's amazing attractions with an authoritative background on Chicago's rich culture and history. Explore all corners of Chicago with the clearest maps of any guide. Make the most of your holiday with «The Rough Guide to Chicago».

The Rough Guide to San Francisco & the Bay Area is the essential companion to discovering the colourful Californian city and its stunning surrounds. The full-colour introduction highlights the cosmopolitan streets of the Downtown area, the shimmering waters of San Francisco Bay and the rolling valleys of the wine country. There are full accounts of all the major tourist sites, including Golden Gate Park and the notorious Alcatraz, as well as thorough explorations of those hidden gems, from the Mission districts colourful murals to the relaxed charms of the Richmond and Sunset neighbourhoods. There are four in-depth chapters exploring the Bay area, and countless accommodation and restaurant reviews for every region and budget. The guide has all the practical information you need to get there, travel around with ease and ensure you don’t miss the unmissable. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to San Francisco & the Bay Area.

The Rough Guide to Tunisia is the definitive guide to this Afro-Mediterranean destination. The full-colour introduction covers the mile-long beaches of the distinctly European northern coast, as well as the fortified kasbah’s of the mountainous interior and the sub-Saharan oases. There are lively accounts of all the sights, from Roman remains and Islamic monuments to the ancient Medinas of Tunis, Sfax and Sousse. You’ll find two full-colour sections that highlight Tunisia’s striking architecture and varied wildlife, information on the best resorts, and exciting excursions into the mountains and desert. The guide is fully updated, with expanded listings of restaurants, accommodation, and nightlife for all budgets, as well as all the practical grittiness you’d expect from a Rough Guide. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Tunisia.

Make the most of Madrid with the «Rough Guide Map». Printed on waterproof, rip-proof paper, this fully updated map pin-points the best the city has on offer, from the magnificent art of the Prado to the mouth-watering tapas of the Plaza Mayor. Reliable and user-friendly, the «Rough Guide Map Madrid» boasts an A-Z street finder index with telephone numbers and prices for a number of restaurants. Shopping streets, pedestrian zones and major buildings are all edged in different colours to make them easier to find. The useful 'Time Map' charts the opening days and times of all the city's sights and the map's detailed transport information will help you to make the most of the city's train, bus, and cycle routes. Get to the heart of this cosmopolitan hot spot with the «Rough Guide Map Madrid».

Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Greece, the ultimate handbook to the Greek mainland and islands – right down to the tiniest one-village outcrops. Flick through the full-colour section for an overview of all of Greece's highlights, from Mount Pilio's lush countryside and Prespa's beautiful lakes to the fish market in Thessaloniki and the famous oracle site in Delphi. There are three full-colour sections: Greek cuisine, Wild Greece and Orthodox Festivals, hundreds of reviews of all the best places to eat, drink and sleep, for all budgets, plus practical tips on a wide range of activities, from bird-watching and windsurfing to hiking and cycling. The guide also takes a detailed look at the country's history, culture, mythology and wildlife and comes complete with maps and plans for every region.

From diving in the Virgin Islands to Trinidad’s Carnival celebrations, The Rough Guide to the Caribbean explores all the best to see and do in this exotic region. Discover lively capital cities, colonial towns and remote, unspoiled beaches with the essential travellers’ companion. Featuring detailed historical and practical information on the entire region, the guide also has a full-colour introduction with stunning photography, plus over 100 detailed maps covering over 50 islands! There are hundreds of accommodation and restaurant reviews, as well as practical information for countless adventures sports, from scuba-diving off the Cayman Islands to hiking in Trinidad. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to the Caribbean.

The Rough Guide to The Baltic States is an indespendabel guide to this intriguing part of Europe. The full colour section introduces the highlights of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The guide features definitive accounts of the fascinating capital cities of Tallinn, Vilnius and Riga, as well as full coverage of the countries’ distinctive landscapes of lakes, forests and national parks. Two new colour sections give the lowdown on the countries’ cuisine and landscapes. The guide also contains practical advice on the best places for hiking, canoeing and birdwatching. Detailed maps for every region, and up-to-date reviews of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife, are also included. The Rough Guide to The Baltic States is like having a local friend plan your trip!

The Beatles are the ultimate band — the most popular, the most respected, the most influential. The Rough Guide to the Beatles covers every aspect of the Fab Four, delving deep into the Beatles music, lyrics, movies and the Beatles solo careers. Features include: The Story: from Liverpool clubs to Beatlemania; the music: incisive reviews of every Beatles and solo album and new Beatle Music from George Martin's son Giles; the canon: the inside track on the 50 greatest songs; on screen: the movies, the promos and the TV appearances and new coverage of the upcoming Rock Band-style video game of Beatle music; the fifth Beatle: George Martin, Yoko Ono, Magic Alex and other contenders as well as the resignation and death of Neil Aspinall; and, Beatleology: the best books, the weirdest covers, the most obsessive websites, the obscurest trivia. This updated edition includes new material on Cirque Du Soleil's acclaimed Love Show — the only officially endorsed Beatles theatrical presentation, Paul McCartney's albums Memory Almost Full, Ecce Cor Meum and Electric Arguments and the media circus surrounding the McCartney/ Mills divorce. All you need is this!

The Rough Guide to The Lake District is your definitive handbook to one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the UK. From Castlerigg Stone Circle and the sculptures of Grizedale Forest to the serenity of Tarn Hows, the full-colour section introduces all of the regions highlights. For every town and village, there are comprehensive and opinionated reviews of all the best places to stay, eat and drink whatever your budget. There is plenty of practical coverage for all the best walks, from peak-bagging to valley rambles and in-depth accounts of lake cruises, literary homes and local museums. The guide also takes a detailed look at the region’s history, culture, literature and wildlife and comes complete with maps for every region. The Rough Guide to The Lake District is like having a local friend plan your trip!

The Rough Guide to Loire Valley is your essential guide to the “garden of France.” Discover the spectacular châteaux of Chenonceau to the glorious cathedral of Chatres, the full colour section gives a real sense of the best this bourgeois paradise has on offer. Get clued-up… all the practical information you need for exploring the cultural landscape, sampling the regions wine, cycling and hot air ballooning, plus special tips on keeping the kids happy. Comprehensive reviews of where to find the finest cuisine, drink, and stay in all price ranges, plus the brand new “Authors’ Pick” feature will highlight the very best options. The guide also takes an informed look at the region’s rich history, fine wine and festivals and comes complete with maps and plans for every area.

The Rough Guide to The Bahamas is your definitive handbook to these beautiful islands. From the finest scuba and snorkelling spots on Paradise Island to the bustling cities of Nassau and Freeport, the full-colour section introduces all of the region’s highlights. For every town and village, there are comprehensive and opinionated listings of all the best resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants, to suit all tastes and budgets, plus a new Author’s Pick’ feature to highlight the very best options. There is plenty of practical advice for a host of outdoor activities from hiking and fishing to surfing and kayaking. The guide also includes lively accounts of Bahamian history, culture and wildlife and comes complete with maps covering the entire region. The Rough Guide to The Bahamas is like having a local friend plan your trip!

The Rough Guide to Bangkok is your essential handbook to this dynamic and intriguing city. From the royal temples and palaces of Ratanakos to the vibrant weekend market at Chatuchak, the 24-page, full-colour introduction pinpoints all of the city's highlights. There are details of all the best places to stay, eat and drink, to suit every budget, plus a new ''Authors'' Picks'' feature to highlight the very best options. There is up-to-date information on excursions around the city, including trips to the grandiose ruins of Ayutthaya and the war sights along the River Kwai. The guide takes a detailed look at Bangkok's culture and history and comes complete with easy-to-read maps and plans for every district. The Rough Guide to Bangkok is like having a local friend plan your trip.

The Rough Guide to Brussels is the definitive guide to the capital of Belgium and the EU. A 16-page, full-colour introduction gives an inspiring insight into many of the city’s highlights, from the top museums to its handsome art nouveau buildings. The guide includes extensive, up-to-the-minute reviews of all the best hotels, bars, restaurants and clubs, catering for every taste – and every budget. If you decide to take a day trip outside of Brussels, there is plenty of detailed coverage of the neighbouring cities of Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. The guide comes complete with maps and plans for the entire city, with every recommendation precisely located.

The Rough Guide to China is the definitive guidebook to one of the world’s most fascinating and rapidly changing travel destinations. The full-colour introduction gives an inspiring insight into many of China’s highlights, from the awesome scenery down the Yangzi River to the incredible Great Buddha at Leshan and the lavish Confucius Temple. Read expert background on everything from the treasures of the Forbidden City to the Buddhist art of the Mogao Caves as well as comprehensive information on China''s history, politics, cultures and peoples. This fully updated fifth edition includes an extended chapter on Shanghai and new colour inserts throughout allowing you to chose where to go and what to see, inspired by over 150 photos. Rely on our selection of the best places to stay and eat, for every budget with place names, accommodation and restaurants invaluably translated into Chinese script. Featuring over 140 detailed maps plus vital Chinese characters, this indispensable guide takes you from cutting-edge clubs in Shanghai to holy mountains in Tibet and from ancient temples to gleaming new skyscrapers. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to China

Corsica – half the size of Wales – is one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning islands with attractions and activities for all types of visitors, ranging from the soaring granite escarpments of Col de Bavella to the ultimate Grande Randonneee of the GR20.The Rough Guide map will make exploring the island by car that much simpler with information on all the routes from the (well sign-posted) main roads to unpaved tracks. The map pinpoints the location of many attractions and places of interest, including unspolit beaches, churches, castles and outstanding natural features. As with all the maps in the Rough Guides series, this map is made of rip-proof, waterproof Polyart™ paper, durable enough to survive a dip in the sea.